RABAT, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Morocco and Rwanda signed Tuesday in capital Rabat 12 agreements to step up cooperation in several areas.
These agreements were signed during the first session of the High Joint Committee between the two countries under the chairmanship of the Moroccan foreign minister, Nasser Bourita, and his Rwandan counterpart, Richard Sezibera.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate bilateral trade and a protocol to develop economic partnership and the promotion of private initiatives and sustainable development.
They also inked another MoU in the field of tourism to develope cooperation between the various institutions in charge of promoting this sector.
In the energy sector, the two sides signed a framework agreement to set up a framework for cooperation as well as another deal to establish cooperation in the areas of mining, geology and hydrocarbons.
An MoU in environment and sustainable development was also signed, which aims to promote bilateral cooperation in the areas of environment and rational management of natural resources.
In the fields of land use planning, urban planning, housing and city policy, a Protocol of Agreement was initialled by the two parties on the exchange of expertise and good practice.
Other agreements and MoUs were reached legal issues, diplomacy and education.
Bourita commended the steady development of relations between Morocco and Rwanda since the visits by President Paul Kagame to Morocco in June 2016 and by the Moroccan King Mohammed VI to Rwanda in October of the same year.
He noted that this first session of the High Joint Committee was an opportunity to review the progress made in carrying out the projects initiated by the two leaders, adding that most of which are at an advanced stage.
The minister said this meeting represents an important institutional mechanism that will help better structure bilateral relations, ensure a permanent monitoring of commitments and identify new areas for cooperation.
For his part, Sezibera commended the new dynamic in bilateral relations, based on the strategic vision and commitment to build a strong, dignified and confident Africa.
